Exercise boosts immunity
If you are looking to boost your immune system this cold season, by exercising regularly there’s a good chance you won’t just be helping your mind and body, but you’ll be helping to boost your immune system too. Numerous studies* suggest that by exercising just a few times a week you can reduce the number of colds you get every year. Exercise not only keeps you healthier but actually can help the body fight off harmful diseases and keep the common cold at bay. The research is ongoing, but this is what we know about the positive impact exercise can have.
How Exercise Boosts the Immune System
By exercising weekly or regularly, there are a number of benefits to the body. Exercise strengthens the heart and allows you to pump more blood throughout your body when you get moving. Your lungs in turn improve their oxygenation process and your muscles strengthen. Well, your immune system is no different. It has been found that exercise provides a boost to the cells in your body that attack bacteria… and appear to work more slowly in those who exercise less or not at all.
Exercising Too Much Can Hurt Your Immune System
It’s also important to remember that balance is very important. You can have a detrimental impact on your immune system if you don’t give your body enough rest. For example, if you are doing a lot of exercise in a short period or intensely training for a marathon you can start to feel run down and tired. So, remember we always promote good health and exercise in the right moderation. Rest properly in between your work outs and don’t push yourself over capacity.
Improving Your Immune System by Exercising
You don’t have to be a super human or athlete to boost your immune system, but we recommend you exercise sensibly a few times a week or walk for half an hour each day. While it won’t make a cold vanish, studies by Forbes have shown that those who work out take fewer sick days and you are likely to make a quicker recovery.
Sources
*British Sports Journal
*WebMD
*Department of Health
